Be enchanted by the stunning scenery revealed by the lakes of Vuokatti and Sotkamo!
Vuokatti offers fantastic opportunities for water experiences, as the area is surrounded by lakes in every direction. Sotkamo and Vuokatti are at the crossroads of ancient water routes, making this place particularly attractive for those seeking aquatic adventures. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the embrace of the water.
Enjoy Vuokatti at water level
Vuokatti travel area has developed a variety of water routes suitable for both beginners and more experienced enthusiasts. Our accessible jetties serve as perfect starting points for family trips, allowing the whole family to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the waters.
Canoeing is a versatile activity that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Beginners can take their first strokes on short routes, moving calmly in calm weather. As your experience grows, you can head out on longer and more challenging routes, testing your skills in different conditions. Moving almost silently at water level, nature opens up in a unique way. Canoeing is also an excellent way to take care of both body and mind. It develops strength, endurance, and balance, particularly strengthening the muscles of the upper body. In the peace of nature, the mind calms and stress fades away, making room for peaceful moments and new adventures by the waterside. So come and experience the charm of Vuokatti’s waters and enjoy the experiences that canoeing has to offer!

Equipment rental
In Vuokatti, equipment suitable for water sports can be rented from Vuokatti Ski Service. At Vuokatti Ski Service’s Katinkulta location, you can find SUP boards as well as a couple of kayaks.
It’s also worth asking directly at your accommodation about renting water sports equipment.

Safety
- There are areas on the lakes that are susceptible to wind, which can cause waves.
- During the summer, there may be some motorboat traffic on the routes. Canoeists should always give way to other watercraft.
- Plan your canoeing route according to your skill level. On lake sections, it is advisable to paddle near the shore and scout rapids from the shore beforehand.
- Always wear a life jacket while canoeing and, if possible, stay close to the shore.
- Secure all equipment to the canoe, preferably in a dry bag or container.
- Pack first aid supplies, spare clothes, and matches in waterproof packaging.
- Keep your phone and power bank waterproofed.
- It is safest to travel on the water with a friend or in a group, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
- Before setting off on a canoeing trip, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast. Pay attention to wind direction and strength on open lakes.
- Bring spare clothes, food, and drink, as there are often no resupply options along the route.
- Bring plenty of clean drinking water and replenish your supply whenever possible.
- If you encounter an emergency during your trip, call 112 and make an emergency report.
Canoeing routes
All water routes in the area are suitable for kayaking, canoeing, or SUP boarding.
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Accessibility and pets

Sunset golden bridge canoe route, 4 km, Sotkamo – Vuokatti
Easy
Accessible
1 h 45 min
3.8 km
Highest point: 133 m
Lowest point: 133 m

Eskonsaari paddling route 4 km, accessible, Sotkamo – Vuokatti
Medium
Accessible
1 h
4 km
Highest point: 138 m
Lowest point: 138 m

To Jäätiö lean-to by stand-up paddleboarding or paddling 1.3/2.6 km, Vuokatti-Sotkamo
Easy
1 h 30 min
2.7 km
Ascent: 44 m
Descent: 44 m
Highest point: 138 m
Lowest point: 138 m

Jäätiönlahti paddling route 6 km, Vuokatti
Medium
2 h 30 min
5.9 km
Ascent: 76 m
Descent: 76 m
Highest point: 138 m
Lowest point: 138 m

Kainuu Tar route water trekking route 180 km, 3 stages, Kainuu
Medium
36 h
180.1 km
Ascent: 6 m
Descent: 53 m
Highest point: 183 m
Lowest point: 137 m

Kainuu Tar Route / Stage 2: Kuhmo – Sotkamo 75 km
Hard
14 h 40 min
73.4 km
Descent: 26 m
Highest point: 163 m
Lowest point: 138 m

Kainuu Tervareitti / Stage 3: Sotkamo – Kajaani 36 km
Hard
8 h
36.1 km
Ascent: 1 m
Highest point: 138 m
Lowest point: 137 m

Kainuun Tervareitti: Kallioinen towpath for paddlers, Sotkamo
Medium
30 min
0.9 km
Ascent: 1 m
Descent: 11 m
Highest point: 150 m
Lowest point: 138 m

Paddling the waves of Kiantajärvi, 12 km, Sotkamo – Vuokatti
Medium
4 h
11.9 km
Ascent: 6 m
Highest point: 139 m
Lowest point: 133 m

To Kultaranta by stand-up paddleboard or paddling 2/4 km, Vuokatti – Sotkamo
Medium
2 h 30 min
4.3 km
Ascent: 11 m
Descent: 11 m
Highest point: 138 m
Lowest point: 138 m

Kusianjokisuu – Ärväänlahti paddling route 12 km, Kaitainsalmi Sotkamo
Medium
3 h
11.9 km
Ascent: 1 m
Descent: 1 m
Highest point: 138 m
Lowest point: 137 m

Paddling from the harbor to Sapsoperä, 13 km, Sotkamo – Vuokatti
Medium
4 h
12.8 km
Ascent: 5 m
Highest point: 138 m
Lowest point: 132 m

Pirttijärvi spin paddling or SUP boarding 6 km, Sotkamo
Medium
2 h
6.3 km
Highest point: 138 m
Lowest point: 138 m

Island circuit by paddling 13 km, Sotkamo – Vuokatti
Medium
3 h
12.7 km
Ascent: 1 m
Descent: 1 m
Highest point: 134 m
Lowest point: 132 m

Paddling around Sapsojärvi, 16 km, Sotkamo – Vuokatti
Medium
4 h 30 min
16.4 km
Ascent: 6 m
Descent: 6 m
Highest point: 138 m
Lowest point: 132 m

Paddling 6 km in the labyrinth of Sotkamo, Sotkamo – Vuokatti
Medium
2 h
6 km
Ascent: 33 m
Descent: 32 m
Highest point: 165 m
Lowest point: 132 m

Paddling from Sotkamo to Katinkulta 16 km, Sotkamo – Vuokatti
Medium
3 h 20 min
16.4 km
Ascent: 21 m
Descent: 1 m
Highest point: 154 m
Lowest point: 132 m

To Vihtamolampi by paddling or SUP, Vuokatti – Sotkamo
Medium
1 h 15 min
3.7 km
Highest point: 138 m
Lowest point: 137 m

Eskonsaari lean-to, Sotkamo Finland
Rest spot
Accessible
Accessible lean-to is located on the island Eskonsaari. There is also a partly accessible outhouse and a dock.

Jäätiölampi lean-to shelter, Vuokatti Finland
Rest spot
Accessible
A cosy lean-to with a campfire in a beautiful spot, located centrally along the Vuokatti Lampipolku walking and Nordic walking trail.

Kaarreniemi lean-to shelter, Vuokatti Finland
Rest spot
A lovely resting place on the beautiful Lake Nuasjärvi in the tip of Kaarreniemi cape. The scenery opens south therefore being a sunny spot.

Sotkamo marina, Sotkamo Finland
Landing Area
Accessible
Sotkamo Marina is located right in the municipal center of Sotkamo, on the waterfront of lake Pirttijärvi. It's a perfect base for your paddling trips.
